For years, Given Lubinda has been one of the most recognizable and experienced figures within the Patriotic Front. His long-standing service, institutional knowledge, and consistent presence in Zambia’s political landscape positioned him as a natural contender for leadership roles within the party.
However, the decision to elevate Makebi Zulu over him has been interpreted by some as a rejection of experience in favor of perceived popularity and momentum. Critics argue that this move signals a shift away from valuing seasoned leadership toward a more reactionary, short-term approach.
Questions of Credibility This leadership outcome has also reignited questions about the credibility of the Patriotic Front. A party that once prided itself on structure and strong leadership now faces scrutiny over its internal decision-making processes. Observers point to: A lack of transparency in how candidates are evaluated Internal divisions that appear to override strategic planning Decisions that may be driven more by factional influence than by long-term vision Such concerns risk eroding public trust, especially in a political environment where credibility is already under pressure.
The Succession Problem Perhaps the most significant issue highlighted by this development is the apparent absence of a clear and consistent succession plan within the PF. Political parties rely on structured leadership pipelines to ensure stability and continuity. In this case, critics argue that: Experience has been undervalued Leadership transitions appear abrupt rather than strategic Popularity may be outweighing proven governance capability The sidelining of a figure like Given Lubinda raises concerns about whether the party is prioritizing immediate appeal over long-term sustainability.
Controversies Around Participation Adding to the controversy are reports that individuals with past legal issues or convictions were involved in the contest. While political inclusivity is important, the participation of such figures inevitably raises ethical and reputational questions. For a party already facing scrutiny, this element further complicates its public image: It challenges standards of integrity It risks normalizing questionable leadership credentials It may weaken the party’s moral authority in governance debates
A Defining Moment for the PF The rise of Makebi Zulu over a veteran like Given Lubinda is more than just an internal reshuffle—it represents a broader identity shift within the Patriotic Front. Whether this marks a renewal phase or a decline in institutional strength remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the party now faces a critical test: rebuilding credibility, establishing a coherent leadership strategy, and demonstrating that its decisions are rooted in principle rather than expediency.
Trump Blames Defense Secretary for Iran War Decisions
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was the first to push for military action against Iran, saying at a Tennessee roundtable: “Pete, I think you were the first one to speak up, and you said, ‘Let’s do it because you can’t let them have a nuclear weapon.’”
The conflict has entered its fourth week amid conflicting accounts from the U.S. administration. Some officials say Israel was ready to strike regardless, while others cite Iran’s nuclear program as the justification.
Trump also called Iran’s retaliatory strikes “unexpected,” contradicting reports that warnings had been issued internally but ignored.
The war, which began with U.S. strikes in late February, has killed over 1,500 in Iran, 1,000 in Lebanon, 15 in Israel, and 13 American service members.
Trump extended his Monday deadline for Iran by five days, leaving ongoing uncertainty about who ultimately decided to initiate the attacks.
Iran’s Regime Cracks Under Pressure: Paranoia and Infighting Explode After Trump’s Backchannel Reveal
Iran’s ruling mullahs are unraveling in plain sight. President Trump’s disclosure of direct contacts with the Islamic Republic has triggered open panic at the top. Regime insiders now accuse each other of secret dealings with the “enemy,” trading charges of betrayal and calls for arrests.
Prominent figures like Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and former President Hassan Rouhani face vicious character assassination from within their own ranks. Public warnings flood Iranian social media: “Do not collaborate with the enemy” and pleas to stop smearing loyalists. Suspicion runs so deep that officials fear purges or worse.
This is no mere squabble. Trump’s revelation exposed the regime’s vulnerability and lit the fuse on long-simmering fractures. While Tehran denies formal talks, the internal chaos proves one thing: the mullahs’ grip weakens when strength meets their bluff.
The Iranian people watch and wait. The regime’s days of unchallenged terror grow shorter.
Trump BLASTS Turncoat Joe Kent: “Being a NICE GUY Doesn’t Pay Off!”
President Trump unloaded on former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent in a fiery rant, calling out the betrayal after giving him a high-level White House job—only for Kent to resign and claim Iran poses no threat to America.
Trump didn’t hold back, slamming Kent’s flip-flop and questioning his motives.
“I call him up, give him a job in the White House. Smart… and THIS is what he does to me?! You know? Being a NICE GUY doesn’t pay off too much!”
“Look — I’m not a fan of the guy.”
“If you look at his statements, he was all for everything. All of a sudden, he wasn’t!”
Trump recounted meeting Kent at Dover after the death of his first wife, feeling sympathy, and offering help after Kent lost two congressional races.
“He was a man that I met at Dover. He came, and his wife was killed. He re-married fairly quickly. His wife was killed, and I felt badly for him.”
“He ran for Congress, he lost. He ran for Congress again, and he lost… I said, he’s a nice guy, I met him… I said, it’s a shame.”
“I had my people call him… I never dealt with him. At all. I had no idea his ideology was left, or right, whatever it is.”
The real trigger? Kent’s post-resignation claim that Iran isn’t a threat—directly contradicting decades of reality and Trump’s stance.
“He said very strongly Iran was not a threat? It’s been a threat for 47 years!”
“I brilliantly have my people call him, offer him a job in security, essentially… and what does he do?! He goes out and says Iran is not a threat to get publicity.”
🚨PRESIDENT TRUMP ANNOUNCES A 5-DAY PAUSE. IRAN SAYS THERE WERE NO TALKS. BOTH CLAIMS TO BE WINNING-Iran’s Senior Military Adviser says that war continues until full compensation
Iran War — Day 24. Here are the 10 latest updates you should probably know…
1. PRESIDENT TRUMP ANNOUNCED A 5-DAY PAUSE. IRAN SAID THERE WERE NO TALKS. BOTH CLAIMED TO BE WINNING.
This is the defining story of Day 24.
Trump announced on Monday morning in all caps on Truth Social that the US and Iran had held “very good and productive conversations” and that he was postponing all strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry responded within hours: “There is no dialogue between Tehran and Washington.”
Iran’s parliament speaker called it “fake news” designed to manipulate oil markets.
And yet behind the scenes Egypt, Pakistan, Turkey and Qatar are all passing messages between both sides.
The war paused. The denials continued. The talks appear real.
2. THE SECRET MEETING IS REPORTEDLY BEING PLANNED IN ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN.
According to The Jerusalem Post, Axios, and the Financial Times, Pakistan is positioning itself as the lead mediator.
Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir spoke with Trump on Sunday.
A meeting between senior US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is reportedly being planned in Islamabad.
Potentially as early as this week.
Ghalibaf is a former IRGC general, former mayor of Tehran, and a close associate of the new Supreme Leader.
He denied the talks publicly.
3. OIL DROPPED 8% IN MINUTES. THEN MARKETS RALLIED.
The moment Trump’s pause announcement hit, Brent crude fell more than 7% from $114 to below $99 a barrel.
US markets opened sharply higher — the S&P 500 gained more than 1% in its strongest session since the war began.
This is what a ceasefire trade looks like.
Brent was $71 on February 27. It hit $114 on Sunday.
The 5-day pause brought it back toward $99.
That is still 40% above where it started. The market is not celebrating peace. It is pricing in the possibility of peace. There is a difference.
4. THE IEA CHIEF CALLED THIS THE GREATEST ENERGY THREAT IN HUMAN HISTORY.
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said Monday that the global economy faces a “major, major threat” from this war’s disruption to oil and gas flows.
He said the current crisis is worse than the 1973 and 1979 oil shocks combined.
“No country will be immune to the effects of this crisis if it continues to go in this direction,” Birol said.
He added that at least 40 energy facilities across nine countries have been severely damaged in the conflict.
And: “Only as of today, we lost 1” — the sentence cut off, but the data is clear. Nearly 20 million barrels per day of crude and product exports are currently disrupted.
5. IRAN DENIED EVERYTHING — AND KEPT FIRING.
While Tehran’s Foreign Ministry denied all talks, Iranian missiles and drones continued hitting Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE and Bahrain throughout Monday.
The UAE’s Defense Ministry confirmed intercepting seven ballistic missiles and 16 drones on the day.
Since the war began, 352 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,789 UAVs have been launched at the UAE alone.
Iran’s IRGC said it attacked the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. The firing did not slow down during the diplomatic pause.
6. ISRAEL LAUNCHED A “WIDE-SCALE WAVE” OF STRIKES ON TEHRAN — ON THE SAME DAY AS THE PAUSE.
While Trump announced a diplomatic pause, Israel struck Tehran on Monday morning anyway.
The IDF said it launched an “extensive wave of strikes targeting Iranian terror regime infrastructure.”
Targets included IRGC headquarters, weapons production sites and missile component storage facilities in the capital.
Israel has now struck over 200 targets this weekend alone. Netanyahu said Trump believes there is an opportunity to turn military gains into an agreement.
Israel’s message was clear: the pause is America’s — not theirs.
7. IRAN’S SENIOR MILITARY ADVISER SAID THE WAR CONTINUES UNTIL FULL COMPENSATION.
Mohsen Rezaei, senior military adviser to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Monday that the war will not end until Tehran receives “full compensation for damage it has sustained.”
Iran’s demands as relayed through mediators include: a permanent ceasefire, guarantees the war will not resume, and financial compensation.
The US position: Iran must surrender its enriched uranium, end its nuclear program, abandon its ballistic missile capability, and stop funding proxies.
The gap between these two positions is enormous.
8. UK PRIME MINISTER STARMER CALLED AN EMERGENCY ECONOMIC MEETING.
The economic shockwaves hit London hard enough on Monday that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called an emergency meeting to address the mounting economic fallout from the war.
European natural gas prices have jumped 60% since February 28.
The EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called publicly for “going to the negotiating table and ending the hostilities” — saying the situation is “critical for energy supply worldwide.”
The war started in the Middle East. The emergency meetings are now happening in London and Brussels.
9. US CENTCOM: THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ IS “PHYSICALLY OPEN.” SHIPS JUST WON’T GO THROUGH.
US Central Command Admiral Brad Cooper said Monday that the Strait of Hormuz is technically “physically open” but ships are not transiting because Iran continues firing missiles and drones at vessels.
He said the US has been “hunting and killing” Iranian watercraft used to attack shipping and that Iran’s military capabilities are “deteriorating.”
He described Iran as “operating in a sign of desperation,” saying they have deliberately attacked civilian targets more than 300 times in recent weeks.
10. THE HUMAN TOLL AT DAY 24.
– Over 1,047 Iranian civilians confirmed killed, including 214 children, per the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
– At least 1,039 killed in Lebanon since March 2, including 118 children.
– 18 Israeli civilians killed.
– 13 US military service members killed.
– More than 4,700 Israelis injured.
– Approximately 5,000 Israelis displaced from their homes.
– Iran’s Red Crescent previously reported over 21,000 wounded in Iran.
– And Israel’s IDF Chief confirmed the campaign is still at its “halfway” stage.
. .
This is Day 24.
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Netanyahu Signals No Letup in Pressure on Iran Amid Trump-Backed Talks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a firm message Monday, backing U.S. President Donald Trump’s outreach to Iran while making clear Israel will keep hitting hard until its core security demands are met.
In a video statement released shortly after Trump’s announcement of “productive” discussions with Tehran and a temporary pause on strikes against Iranian power plants, Netanyahu confirmed he had spoken with Trump earlier in the day.
Netanyahu said: “Earlier today, I spoke with our friends, President Trump. President Trump believes that there is a chance to leverage the great achievements of the IDF and the US military to realize the war goals of the agreement. An agreement that will protect our vital interests.
At the same time, we continue to attack both Iran and Lebanon. We sanctify the missile and nuclear programs to the last detail and continue to severely harm Hezbollah. Just a few days ago we eliminated two more nuclear scientists and the hand is still outstretched. We will protect our vital interests in any situation.”
The remarks underscore Israel’s dual approach: openness to diplomacy that safeguards its security, paired with unrelenting military action against Iran’s nuclear and missile efforts and its proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon. Netanyahu’s reference to recent assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists reinforces that Israel views continued strikes as essential leverage, not a bargaining chip to be shelved during negotiations.
While Trump described the talks as advancing toward resolution and delayed further U.S. action to allow progress, Iranian officials have denied any direct negotiations are underway and rejected concessions without full U.S. accountability for prior hostilities.
Netanyahu’s statement leaves no doubt: Israel will not ease its campaign until an agreement fully neutralizes the threats it faces.
Israeli President Forced to Take Cover During Missile Attack
Israeli President Isaac Herzog was forced to literally run and take cover after a missile struck near him shortly after he gave a press conference in the northern town of Kiryat Shmona.
During the speech, Herzog stated that Israel cannot return to last year’s ceasefire and emphasized the need to secure “strategic depth inside Lebanon.” The missile attack underscores the ongoing security tensions in the region.
Breaking News : “We Don’t Want to Die for Israel” — US Troops Reportedly Express Frustration Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
A growing wave of concern and frustration is reportedly emerging among US troops stationed in the Middle East, with some service members openly questioning their role and the risks they are being asked to take as regional tensions escalate.
According to recent reporting, several American troops have voiced unease over the possibility of being drawn deeper into a conflict involving Iran, particularly in scenarios where US involvement is perceived as tied to defending Israeli interests. Some soldiers reportedly expressed blunt concerns, with statements indicating they do not want to risk their lives in what they see as a conflict not directly tied to US national defense.
The report highlights that this sentiment is not necessarily universal across the armed forces but reflects a noticeable strain among certain deployed personnel. The concerns appear to stem from fears of escalation into a broader regional war, especially following increased military activity, including drone losses, naval deployments, and heightened alert levels across US bases in the region.
Military families have also reportedly echoed these anxieties, worried about the potential for a prolonged and dangerous engagement. The psychological toll of uncertainty, combined with the prospect of direct confrontation with Iranian forces or allied groups, has added to the pressure felt by troops on the ground.
Despite these reported concerns, US military leadership continues to maintain operational readiness across key strategic locations. Officials have emphasized that deployments are aimed at deterrence, force protection, and maintaining stability in a volatile region rather than initiating a wider conflict.
The situation underscores a broader challenge facing policymakers in Washington as they balance alliance commitments, regional security dynamics, and domestic sentiment within the armed forces.
As tensions continue to evolve, the morale and perception of mission clarity among troops could become an increasingly important factor in shaping future US military posture.
CENTCOM Chief to Iranian People: Stay Inside—Clear Signal Coming to Rise Up
U.S. Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper delivered a direct message to Iranian civilians in his March 23, 2026, interview with Iran International, as the U.S.-led campaign against the regime presses forward on or ahead of schedule.
Cooper drew a sharp line between the ruling mullahs and the population they endanger.
“For the Iranian people, my main message is this: First and foremost, we are attacking the regime in the Islamic Republic, not the wonderful people.”
He urged civilians to prioritize safety amid the regime’s tactics.
“They’re launching missiles and drones from populated areas and you need to stay inside for right now.”
The admiral warned that the regime’s shift to smaller, sporadic attacks signals desperation, while senior leaders hide in bunkers and leave ground forces exposed.
Cooper closed with a promise of coordination.
“There will be a clear signal at some point, as the President has indicated, for you to be able to come out.”
The statement underscores U.S. intent: dismantle the theocracy while protecting ordinary Iranians until the moment is right for change.
Iran Draws Hard Line: War Continues Until US Pays Up, Lifts Sanctions, and Gets Out
Senior Iranian official Mohsen Rezaee delivered a blunt message amid escalating conflict: the war with the United States will drag on until Tehran receives full compensation for all damages, all economic sanctions are completely lifted, and Washington provides firm guarantees of non-interference in Iran’s internal affairs.
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“This is the decision of our nation, our leader, and our armed forces,” Rezaee declared in the widely circulated statement.
He escalated further in response to threats against Iranian infrastructure, warning that any such strikes would shift the rules of engagement: “It will no longer be an eye for an eye — it will be an eye for a head. You will be crippled.” He added that this time, US forces must leave the Persian Gulf entirely.
The remarks come as direct US-Iran talks reportedly begin, yet Tehran shows no sign of backing down from maximalist demands, including a full American military withdrawal from the region. Rezaee’s position echoes earlier statements from mid-March, underscoring Iran’s rejection of any ceasefire short of these core concessions.
Ghana Enters Global Lithium Market Amid West-China Competition
Ghana is stepping into the global lithium market after ratifying the Ewoyaa mining lease, developed by Atlantic Lithium.
This $185 million project is expected to produce 3.6 million tonnes of lithium concentrate over the next decade, marking a strategic shift from Ghana’s traditional reliance on gold.
The government holds a 13% stake in the project and has introduced royalty structures similar to the gold sector, aiming to secure national benefits while attracting foreign investment.
Lithium from Ghana will be a key resource as Western nations seek to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals.
As neighbouring countries expand lithium production, Ghana faces a delicate balancing act: welcoming foreign investment while asserting resource nationalism to protect its mineral wealth in the evolving global energy economy.
Brazilian President Warns Africa Against Recolonisation
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has issued a strong warning to African nations about a potential return of “colonial” dynamics in global politics. Speaking at a summit in Colombia, he criticised powerful countries for renewed interference in developing regions
Lula pointed to recent international actions…including the capture of Venezuela’s leader and restrictions on Cuba…as examples of old‑style dominance being repeated.
He said the scramble by wealthy nations for critical minerals and rare earths in regions like Africa and Latin America mirrors historical plunder, and warned this could amount to a new form of colonisation if unchecked.
His comments highlight growing concern among leaders about foreign influence through military action, sanctions, and competition for strategic natural resources.
Breaking News : Iranian Naval Mines Confirmed in the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. Intelligence Tracks Active Threat
U.S. officials have confirmed to CBS News that approximately a dozen Iranian naval mines are currently deployed in the Strait of Hormuz, based on current American intelligence assessments. The mines identified are the Iranian-manufactured Maham 3 and Maham 7 Limpet Mine, deployed using small watercraft capable of carrying two to three mines each.
The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical energy chokepoint, through which roughly 20% of global oil supply passes. The waterway has been effectively closed to commercial shipping since the start of the U.S.-Iran conflict on February 28, 2026.
In response, U.S. Central Command confirmed it destroyed 16 Iranian minelaying vessels near the strait. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated the strikes were carried out at President Trump’s direction.
Iran still retains an estimated 80 to 90 percent of its small boat and minelaying fleet, according to U.S. intelligence, meaning the current deployment represents only a fraction of its full mining capability. Iran’s total naval mine stockpile is estimated at up to 6,000 mines.
Iran has also threatened to expand mining operations across the entire Persian Gulf if U.S. military pressure continues.
Diplomatic channels remain active. A senior Iranian Foreign Ministry official confirmed to CBS News that a U.S. message was received through mediators and is currently under review.
Source: CBS News, March 23, 2026 | Corroborated by CNN, CNBC, and U.S. Central Command
Breaking News : U.S. Supercarrier USS Gerald R. Ford Docks in Greece for Repairs After Onboard Fire During Red Sea Deployment
The United States Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, has docked at Souda Bay in Crete, Greece, for maintenance and repairs following an onboard fire incident during its recent deployment in the Red Sea. The vessel had been actively supporting U.S. military operations linked to rising tensions involving Iran.
According to an official statement from the U.S. Sixth Fleet on March 23, the port call is part of a scheduled stop to conduct inspections, carry out necessary repairs, and resupply the carrier. The Navy emphasized that despite the incident, the USS Gerald R. Ford remains fully mission capable and continues its overseas deployment as part of the Carrier Strike Group.
The fire, which reportedly broke out earlier in March, was contained onboard and did not result from combat operations. Initial reports indicate the incident originated in a non-combat area of the ship, with damage control teams responding effectively to prevent escalation.
While the carrier is undergoing maintenance in Souda Bay, the current positions of other ships within the strike group have not been disclosed, consistent with standard operational security practices.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the lead ship of its class and the most advanced aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy, continues to play a central role in forward-deployed operations amid heightened regional tensions.
Gulf States Finally Wake Up: Saudi Arabia and UAE Join the Fight Against Rogue Iran
The Wall Street Journal reports that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are no longer sitting on the sidelines as Iranian missiles and drones rain down on their soil.
Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have been actively intercepting Tehran’s attacks, shooting down ballistic missiles headed for their capitals and swatting away waves of drones targeting energy sites and air bases.
This isn’t neutral defense anymore. It’s the first clear signal that the wealthy Gulf monarchies are shifting toward active alignment with the US and Israel in the escalating 2026 war on Iran.
Saudi forces have knocked out dozens of incoming threats in single days, while the UAE alone has intercepted hundreds of ballistic missiles and over a thousand drones since the conflict heated up. Iranian aggression has forced their hand.
For too long, these oil-rich states tolerated Iran’s provocations, proxy militias, and nuclear saber-rattling while hiding behind American security guarantees. No more. Iranian strikes on their infrastructure and cities have shattered any illusion of coexistence with the mullahs’ regime.
The Gulf is choosing survival over appeasement, backing the side that’s actually willing to confront the world’s leading state sponsor of terror.
This move strengthens the coalition against a weakened but desperate Iran. It sends a blunt message: attack civilized nations and pay the price. The era of Iran bullying its richer neighbors while chanting “death to America” and “death to Israel” is cracking under real pressure.
America and Israel are leading the charge to dismantle Iran’s threat once and for all. The Gulf states stepping up is long overdue good news in a dangerous neighborhood. Weakness invites war. Strength ends it.
Kuwait Plunged Into Blackouts as Iranian Drone Debris Hammers Power Grid
Power outages swept parts of Kuwait after debris from intercepted Iranian drones slammed into six high-voltage transmission lines on March 12, knocking out electricity across scattered neighborhoods.
Kuwait’s Electricity Ministry confirmed the damage came from falling shrapnel during air defenses engaging the drones.
No direct hits on Kuwaiti soil from Iranian strikes, but the collateral fallout was immediate: partial blackouts hit homes, businesses, and infrastructure while repair crews raced to restore service.
By March 15, five of the six lines were back online. Yet fresh reports show lingering disruptions, with the neutral Gulf state now caught in the crossfire of Iran’s retaliation against US-Israeli attacks that began in late February.
The incidents highlight the spreading risk: drone fragments have also sparked refinery fires, closed airspace temporarily, and raised fears for civilian safety in a region already on edge over threats to the Strait of Hormuz and global oil flows.
Even a bystander nation isn’t safe when the missiles fly.
BREAKING: Explosions Rock Riyadh as Iran Escalates Attacks on Saudi Arabia
Powerful blasts echoed across Riyadh early on March 24, 2026, with residents reporting loud explosions overhead amid Iran’s stepped-up retaliation in the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war.
The assault fits a pattern of near-daily Iranian missile and drone barrages on Saudi targets since late February. Saudi defenses claim most threats are intercepted, but strikes have hit oil facilities like Ras Tanura, damaged the US embassy in Riyadh, and sparked fires near energy sites, causing minor disruptions and civilian alerts.
Iranian media and pro-resistance voices hail the strikes as payback for US-Israeli operations, while Gulf states have expelled Iranian diplomats and issued warnings. Some on-the-ground accounts question the scale, but tensions remain sky-high with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles already launched at the kingdom.
The conflict shows no signs of cooling, raising fears of wider regional fallout involving oil routes and Gulf allies.
MAKEBI ZULU WAS NOT ELECTED PF PRESIDENT- PAMODZI ALLIANCE
By: Thomas Afroman Mwale
PF Pamodzi Alliance has clarified that the recently held convention, which elected Makebi Zulu as president, was not conducted in the name of the Patriotic Front, citing ongoing court proceedings and an existing injunction.
The alliance emphasized that it is law-abiding and aware of the legal consequences of holding a convention under the party’s name while PF-related matters remain before the courts.
Alliance National Youth Chairperson Ibrahim Mwamba stated that the convention was intentionally held without an official name to avoid contempt of court, urging the media to refrain from misleading the public by referring to it as a PF convention.
Meanwhile, former PF Secretary General Mumbi Phiri questioned Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa’s stance against the convention, while congratulating Mr. Zulu on his election as party president. #SunFmTvNews
Government says it has taken note of comments made by Tonse Alliance leader Brian Mundubile when he was called to answer to charges.
Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu said government is concerned that Mr. Mundubile made disparaging remarks against President Hakainde Hichilema.
Mr. Mwiimbu emphasized that it is the duty of law enforcement agencies to investigate any allegations leveled against anyone.
https://youtu.be/-xT6D3_EbNo?si=fzz6n4bP-8HgbIHs
Meanwhile, Mr. Mwiimbu, who is also UPND Chairperson for Legal Affairs, expressed confidence that President Hichilema will win the 2026 General Election, stating that Zambians will vote for him in even greater numbers than the 2.8 million votes he received in 2021
He highlighted that Zambia has seen high levels of investment, including increased tourist arrivals, attributing this to the country’s current stability.
US-Iran Showdown: High-Level Talks Eyed in Islamabad This Week
Mediating countries are pushing hard to bring US and Iranian officials face-to-face in Islamabad as early as this week. On the Iranian side, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf would lead the delegation. Representing the United States: special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and possibly Vice President JD Vance.
The report, first cited by an Israeli official to Axios, comes amid ongoing tensions after months of stalled nuclear negotiations in Oman, Geneva, and elsewhere. Previous rounds saw US demands for full dismantlement of Iran’s key nuclear sites and zero enrichment met with rejection from Tehran. Iran has repeatedly denied direct talks, accusing Washington of using diplomacy claims to manipulate oil prices and buy time for military options.
President Trump recently claimed productive conversations with a top Iranian figure and announced a five-day pause on strikes against Iranian infrastructure. Yet Tehran’s foreign minister dismissed any negotiations as fiction.
If this meeting happens, Vance’s potential presence would mark a serious escalation from back-channel efforts to direct administration-level engagement. Pakistan stepping in as host signals a regional push to avoid wider war, but skeptics warn it could be another stall tactic or confidence game in a long line of failed diplomacy.
America’s red line remains clear: Iran will not get a nuclear weapon. Any deal must deliver verifiable results, not more promises from a regime that has cheated before.
TRUMP SIDELINES IRAN’S HARDLINERS IN SECRET TALKS TO REOPEN STRAIT OF HORMUZ
President Trump is outmaneuvering Iran’s Revolutionary Guard by negotiating directly with more moderate elements inside the regime. U.S. envoys are reportedly meeting Iranian representatives in Pakistan, bypassing the IRGC entirely.
The IRGC remains defiant, vowing to keep the Strait closed and rejecting any U.S. claims of progress. But Trump extended his original 48-hour ultimatum by five days after citing productive back-channel discussions that could lead to a full resolution.
This move weakens the hardliners’ grip and opens the door to real concessions—potentially ending the chokehold on global oil flows without full-scale escalation. If successful, it forces the IRGC to fold or lose power, a major win for stability in the region and relief for American consumers facing skyrocketing energy prices.
The clock is ticking, but Trump is playing smart—maximum pressure, targeted diplomacy, and no apologies.
Iran Agrees to No Nuclear Weapons in Breakthrough Talks
President Trump announced today that Iran has finally agreed to abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons, opening the door to a potential deal that could end the conflict and bring real peace to the region.
Speaking to reporters, Trump laid it out clearly: “We are having really good discussions with Iran. They’ve agreed to not having a nuclear weapon! I think there is a good chance that we end up with a deal!”
He doubled down, emphasizing, “They want peace. They’ve agreed they will not have a nuclear weapon… We’ll see. You have to get it done, but I would say there’s a very good chance.”
Trump has postponed planned U.S. strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure for five days to give negotiations a shot, showing smart leadership and a willingness to secure victory through strength and diplomacy rather than endless war. This comes after months of pressure that forced Tehran to the table.
Trump Slams Disloyal Leaker Joe Kent: ‘This Is What He Does to Me’
President Trump didn’t hold back when asked about former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent, who resigned in protest over U.S. military action against Iran and now faces an FBI investigation into alleged leaks of classified information.
In a pointed response captured on video and shared by RedWave Press, Trump laid out his disappointment with the man he once gave a second chance.
“I’m not a fan of the guy,” Trump said. “He was a man that I met at Dover. He came [when] his wife was killed. He re-married fairly quickly. His wife was killed, and I felt badly for him.”
“He ran for Congress, he lost. He ran for Congress again, and he lost.”
“I said, ‘You know, he’s a guy—nice guy… I met him. He was pretty heartbroken. They gave him a job in the White House and this is what he does to me.’”
“I brilliantly had my people call him and offer him a job in security, essentially, in the White House and what does he do? He goes out and says Iran is not a threat to get publicity.”
Trump’s blunt assessment underscores a core truth: loyalty matters in this administration. Kent, after receiving compassion and opportunity from a president who went out of his way to help him during personal tragedy and political setbacks, turned around and undermined the mission—publicly downplaying the very real threat from Iran while the White House deals with leaks that compromise national security.
The FBI probe into Kent reportedly began months before his resignation, highlighting ongoing concerns about classified information being mishandled. Far from a principled stand, this looks like ingratitude and disloyalty from someone who was handed a high-level role he didn’t earn through merit alone.
President Trump made the right call: America needs tough, faithful warriors on the team—not those who leak, complain, and side with narratives that weaken our resolve against terrorist regimes like Iran. Good riddance to disloyalty.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has released an image showing a medium-range missile bearing a depiction of U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside a mocking message reading: “Help me open Hormuz”
According to an IRGC spokesperson, the move is part of the 76th wave of operations under “True Promise 4,” reportedly aimed at U.S. bases across the Middle East.
The operation, codenamed “Ya Aba Abdillah Al-Hussain (peace be upon him),” was described as a response to Trump’s previous claims that Iran had lost its missile capabilities, calling such assessments a “miscalculation by the U.S. and Zionists”
Iranian officials also framed the move as a direct challenge to a reported 48-hour ultimatum previously attributed to Trump, warning that failure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could trigger U.S. strikes on key Iranian energy infrastructure
Details remain unverified, with no official confirmation from U.S. authorities at this stage
Breaking News : Iranian Missile Fleet Wiped Out at Caspian Port as New Images Reveal Devastating Strike Impact
Newly surfaced images show significant destruction of Iranian naval assets at a key Caspian Sea port, offering fresh visual confirmation of a major strike on Iran’s northern fleet infrastructure.
According to reports, the damage is centered around the Iranian port of Bandar Anzali, a strategic naval hub on the Caspian Sea. The images, now circulating widely on social media, appear to show multiple Iranian missile boats and naval craft heavily damaged or completely destroyed while docked at the facility.
The strike is believed to be linked to earlier Israeli military operations targeting Iranian naval infrastructure in the region. Israeli forces had confirmed carrying out airstrikes on Iranian naval assets in the Caspian Sea, marking a significant geographic expansion of the conflict beyond its traditional zones in the Persian Gulf and surrounding areas.
Reports indicate that several missile-equipped vessels, including ships fitted with air defense systems and anti-submarine weaponry, were among the targets. The port itself is considered a critical base for Iran’s northern fleet and plays a key role in both military operations and logistical activity in the Caspian region.
Explosions had previously been reported in Bandar Anzali during the time of the strikes, suggesting coordinated aerial attacks on naval infrastructure and docked vessels.
While Iranian authorities have not released detailed official damage assessments, the emerging imagery provides one of the clearest indications so far of the scale of losses suffered by Iran’s naval forces in the Caspian theater.
This development underscores the widening scope of the ongoing conflict, with military operations now extending deep into northern Iran and targeting strategic maritime assets far from the frontlines traditionally associated with the crisis.
“Can the Strait of Hormuz be opened? You need to deploy two American divisions there and prepare to stay for months. That’s how the start of the war in Vietnam looked, the start of the war in Iraq, and the same in Afghanistan.
It succeeds at first. By the way, all wars, including this new chapter of ours, one must know: an initiated war starts with a brilliant achievement and impressive damage.
Then comes the stage of treading water, which I believe we have entered.
And if you don’t know how to get out of it and cut it short in time, it ends in negotiations under conditions inferior to what existed before it all started, or in defeat.
And America hasn’t won a single war. It won almost every battle, but it hasn’t won a single war in the last 60 years.
All of this needs to be considered, and I very much hope I am wrong.”
Breaking News : U.S. Official Warns Against Kharg Island Ground Operation: “Giving Iran a Bunch of Hostages on an Island”
Former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent has issued a stark warning against any U.S. ground operation to seize Kharg Island, Iran’s critical oil export hub, as internal deliberations over the move intensify inside Washington.
Kent cautioned that deploying U.S. troops to the island would be a catastrophic miscalculation, arguing it would “essentially be giving Iran a bunch of hostages on an island that they could barrage with drones and missiles.”
The warning comes as senior U.S. officials have reportedly briefed counterparts in Israel and allied nations that a ground military operation to occupy Kharg Island is under active consideration, as part of broader efforts to pressure Iran into ending its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Kent, who resigned from his position citing his assessment that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States, is now one of the most prominent voices pushing back against further escalation in the Gulf.
Kharg Island accounts for the vast majority of Iran’s crude oil exports. Any military operation targeting the island would mark a dramatic and potentially irreversible escalation in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict.
The debate over Kharg Island reflects the deepening divide within Washington over how far the current military campaign against Iran should go.
IRANIANS ONCE LIBERATED ISRAEL FROM SLAVERY – ANCIENT HISTORY REVEALS
Israelies were once overrun by the military might of the Babylonian Kindgom and a good number of them taken into captivity. Among the most famous of the captives were Prophets Daniel and Jeremiah.
They remained in captivity for 70yrs until the Medes and Persians – modern Iranians – mounted a military offensive against Babylon and overtook it.
The descendants of modern Medes are the Kurds who are to be found in the Northwestern regions of modern day Iran while the rest of the country is occupied by ancient Persians.
The two nations combined to overcome Babylon hence the compound name Medo-Persia.
Their ancient Kings – Cyrus, The Great and Darious are mentioned in the Bible in respect of the freedom of Israelis out of slavery.
“Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed: ‘I will go before you and level the mountains, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, I will give you the treasures of darkness and the secret riches of secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name.'”
(Isaiah 45:1-3, ESV)
When the King of Babylon was hosting one of his lavish parties, an invisible hand suddenly appeared and began to write on the wall.
Stunned, the king and guests wondered what the writing meant until it was revealed to them – God had weighed the kingdom and found it wanting. So, it’s end had come.
It wasn’t long that Medes and Persians breached the fortress by drying the river that went under the walls of the kingdom and gained entry into the city and brought to an end the most powerful nation of the time.
At some point during the current war, there was talk of the US using the Kurds as ground troops to fight the rest of Iran. In an interview, one of the Kurds said, “we are not guns for hire”.
God used Iranians (Medo-Persians) to free Israelies so that they return to Jerusalem and prepare to receive the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
We proudly identify ourselves as children of God because Iranians were used by God to pave way for our salvation.
Today, the US and Israel regard Iran as an existential threat whose leadership must be wiped out.
If the ancient warrior spirit of the Medes and Persians still live in their posterity, then the US and Israel won’t have it easy.
However, in a region where memories are long, I wonder why Israel and Iran can’t work out something, for old times’ sake, and live in peace.
Not presuming what God may or may not do, am curious whether or how He may influence the outcome of the current war and to what ends.
In a conflict with so much at stake, and especially that it involves two ancient nations He selected to play crucial roles in the plan of salvation, surely God must have something to say in the matter.
UAE Stands Alone Against Iranian Barrage as NATO Watches From the Sidelines
On March 23, 2026, while Iranian ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones rain down on the United Arab Emirates, the nation’s advanced air defenses—powered by American systems—continue to intercept and destroy every incoming threat.
The UAE protects not only its own people but expatriates from more than 200 countries, including many from NATO member states whose governments have sent no meaningful support.
Emirati analyst Amjad Taha delivered a blistering message to NATO: the UAE stands strong in real time, shielding your citizens while you abandon them. History will remember this moment of inaction as clear cowardice.
Iran supplies Russia with drones used against Europe, yet NATO refuses to confront Tehran decisively, treating the regime as an untouchable gateway for Moscow in the Middle East.
The UAE does not beg or negotiate with terrorists. It bans groups like the Muslim Brotherhood while some Western capitals hesitate. If allies will not act, the Emirates will—alone if necessary—with resolute leadership that refuses to bow.
This is no mere statement. It is a promise the world should note. The brave stand tall; the timid fade. The UAE chooses the former.
CUBA BRACES FOR WAR: “WE ARE PREPARING FOR POSSIBLE U.S. AGGRESSION”
Cuban military officials confirmed today, March 23, 2026, that the island’s armed forces are actively training and repositioning units in direct response to what they call “credible threats of U.S. aggression.”
The statement comes against the backdrop of a punishing U.S. oil embargo that has triggered rolling nationwide blackouts for weeks. Power is now out for 12–18 hours a day in most provinces, crippling hospitals, food storage, and water pumping stations.
Havana points to recent U.S. naval movements in the Florida Straits and increased reconnaissance flights as evidence of hostile intent. Cuban state media is running almost nonstop footage of night-vision helicopter insertions, coastal defense drills, and rapid-reaction force exercises—imagery that deliberately echoes the 1961 Bay of Pigs mobilization.
The rhetoric is already drawing direct comparisons to Venezuela. In January 2026, U.S. special operations forces conducted a lightning raid in Caracas that killed 32 Cuban military advisors defending the Maduro government compound. Cuban officials now warn they will not allow “another Venezuela scenario” on their own soil.
Social media is split. Supporters frame the preparations as legitimate self-defense against imperialism. Critics call it classic Cuban theater meant to rally domestic support while the economy collapses under embargo pressure.
No shots have been fired and no invasion fleet is confirmed on the horizon—but the tone in Havana has not been this warlike in decades.
PAKISTAN’S FORMER DIPLOMAT DROPS NUKE THREAT ON INDIA IF US STRIKES
Former Pakistani diplomat Abdul Basit went nuclear on a panel discussing the US-Israel-Iran war escalation, declaring Pakistan would immediately hit India with atomic weapons if the United States attacks his country.
The blunt warning was amplified on X with side-by-side images: one showing rows of Pakistani ballistic missile launchers ready to roll, the other the Indian tricolor waving defiantly.
The post exploded to over 326,000 views almost instantly. Replies ranged from dark memes (“just poke the bear and solve two problems at once”) to genuine alarm about a potential India-Pakistan nuclear exchange that could displace roughly 1.6 billion people and trigger the largest refugee crisis in human history.
One thing is clear: in South Asia, the red lines are drawn in radiation.
U.S. Troops Arrive in Middle East as Iran Conflict Escalates
Thousands of soldiers from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division have deployed to the region via C-17 transports, with elements positioned for possible action to secure disputed islands in the Strait of Hormuz—Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa—long claimed by Iran but administered by the UAE.
Six C-5 Galaxy flights delivered MH-47G Chinooks and MH-60M Black Hawks of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment days earlier.
These assets support special forces, including Delta Force, in potential ground operations near Isfahan to recover Iran’s stockpile of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium.
The moves come amid Operation Epic Fury, now in its fourth week of U.S.-Israeli strikes that have degraded Iran’s missile forces, navy, air defenses, and nuclear infrastructure.
Reports indicate a possible trade: U.S. restraint on Kharg Island—site of 90% of Iran’s oil exports—in exchange for Iranian concessions on the three islands and uranium.
No official Pentagon confirmation exists for imminent ground assaults, but the rapid buildup of elite airborne and special operations units signals readiness for limited, high-stakes missions to neutralize nuclear threats and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump Grants Iran Five-Day Reprieve on Energy Strikes Amid Claimed Breakthrough Talks
President Donald Trump announced Monday that he has ordered the U.S. military to postpone all strikes on Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure for five days, citing “very good and productive conversations” with Tehran over the past two days.
Trump stated the discussions, involving major points of agreement, offer a path toward a “complete and total resolution” to the ongoing conflict, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized the pause is conditional on continued progress in the talks.
Iran’s government swiftly denied any negotiations are underway, calling Trump’s claims baseless and insisting no back-channel or direct discussions have occurred.
The announcement triggered immediate market relief, with U.S. stocks surging, oil prices dropping sharply, and investor sentiment improving temporarily after weeks of escalation that crippled global energy flows.
Trump reiterated America’s dominant position, pointing to prior devastating U.S. and allied operations that destroyed much of Iran’s missile launchers, naval forces, and air defenses. He warned that failure to reach a deal would bring overwhelming force.
This tactical delay provides breathing room for diplomacy while preserving maximum pressure on a severely weakened Iranian regime already reeling from sustained military setbacks.
Australia’s Fuel Crisis Hits Hard: Hundreds of Stations Dry as Panic Buying Grips the Nation
Hundreds of petrol stations across Australia have run out of fuel, with long queues, rationing, and outright “out of fuel” signs becoming common from the Gold Coast to regional towns.
The trigger is the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has disrupted global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz and forced key suppliers like Malaysia and Singapore to redirect shipments. Australia, which imports over 90 percent of its fuel and relies heavily on just two domestic refineries, now faces acute shortages despite government claims of secure supply until mid-April.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen has released millions of litres from emergency stockpiles—equivalent to several days’ worth of petrol and diesel—and secured an LNG-diesel swap deal with Singapore to keep imports flowing. Yet the numbers tell a stark story: dozens of stations in New South Wales lack diesel, over 100 in Victoria are short on at least one grade, and farmers warn that diesel shortages threaten planting seasons and could halve crop yields.
Panic buying has driven prices up sharply—diesel nearing $3 a litre in some areas, petrol jumping 50 cents or more per litre since late February—turning routine fill-ups into desperate scrambles.
The International Energy Agency urges Australians to work from home, carpool, slow down, and skip unnecessary travel to conserve what remains.
Experts warn the economy could grind to a halt if diesel dries up, emptying supermarket shelves and crippling mining, agriculture, and freight.
Six scheduled tanker shipments have already been cancelled or deferred, exposing the nation’s thin reserves and heavy dependence on fragile global supply lines.
This is no distant problem. It is here, now, and it shows how quickly reliance on foreign fuel can turn into a national vulnerability.
Russia Warns U.S.: Hands Off Iran’s Russian-Built Nuclear Plant
Russia has issued a sharp warning to the United States against any strikes on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, a facility Russia designed, constructed, and still helps operate. The plant, which generates vital electricity for Iran, houses Russian personnel and relies on Russian-supplied fuel.
The alert follows a recent U.S.-Israeli projectile strike that landed dangerously close—mere meters from the reactor—prompting condemnation from Moscow as a reckless act that risks radiological disaster and sets a dangerous precedent.
Kremlin officials and Rosatom leaders have stressed that attacking such sites could trigger irreparable regional consequences, including widespread contamination.
This comes amid heightened Middle East tensions, with Russia firmly backing Iran and signaling it will not tolerate threats to its strategic nuclear cooperation in the region. The message is clear: crossing this red line invites serious escalation.
Namibia has officially turned down a request from Starlink, the satellite internet company owned by Elon Musk, to operate in the country.
The application was submitted through its local partner, Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Limited, but the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) rejected it.
Authorities have not yet explained why the licence was denied, saying only that full reasons can be requested.
Background to the decision
Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) previously opposed Starlink’s application, raising concerns about possible violations of communication laws and past unlicensed use in Namibia.
Despite this, public consultations showed strong support for Starlink, with over 1,100 submissions backing its entry.
A final decision had been expected by the end of the first quarter of 2026, but the rejection has now confirmed the outcome.
This decision marks another setback for Starlink’s expansion in Southern Africa and raises broader questions about how Namibia balances innovation with national control.
Cuba’s Communist Regime Faces Fury as Havana Erupts in Protest
The Cuban people are done starving in the dark. Massive anti-government demonstrations have broken out across Havana amid endless blackouts, crippling food shortages, and a collapsing economy that leaves families desperate while the regime clings to power.
Reports show protesters torching a local Communist Party office, clashing with security forces, and filling the night with chants of “Patria y Vida” and “Down with the dictatorship.”
These aren’t isolated outbursts—neighborhoods from Arroyo Naranjo to Centro Habana have seen streets blocked, trash fires lit for light, and pots banged in defiance for days on end. The spark? A massive grid failure that plunged millions into darkness for up to 20+ hours daily, on top of months without reliable fuel or medicine.
While ordinary Cubans suffer, the regime’s cheerleaders abroad look the other way. Hasan Piker and fellow travelers keep shilling for Havana’s tyrants, defending the very system that has turned a once-thriving island into a prison of poverty and blackouts.
The Cuban street is delivering the verdict these apologists refuse to hear: socialism doesn’t work, and the people won’t take it anymore.
The tide is turning. After decades of repression, the Cuban people are rising—not asking permission, but taking their future back. The regime’s days of excuses and crackdowns may finally be numbered. Freedom is coming to Cuba.
US-Iran Indirect Talks Via Pakistan Gain Momentum as Trump Pauses Energy Strikes
Unconfirmed reports from Axios point to indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran, with Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt serving as key intermediaries. Recent messages have reportedly passed between White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, focused on de-escalation and core disputes.
A possible high-level meeting is said to be in the works in Islamabad later this week, potentially featuring Vice President JD Vance for the U.S. and Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on the Iranian side. The discussions reportedly cover roughly 15 points of tentative agreement.
Israel was aware mediation efforts were active but seemed surprised by the reported speed of progress. Iran continues to publicly reject claims of any talks, with officials labeling them as fabrications or attempts to manipulate markets.
The reported developments follow U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites earlier this month after earlier diplomatic efforts collapsed. President Trump recently ordered a halt to planned attacks on Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure, describing the indirect discussions through these channels as “very good and productive.”
Tensions remain high in the region, with Iranian missiles recently landing near Israel’s Dimona nuclear facility and threats to shut the Strait of Hormuz still circulating.
While some optimism exists for ending the conflict, Iran’s hardline factions, particularly the IRGC, are said to be demanding major concessions: security guarantees against future attacks, an end to strikes on Hezbollah, withdrawal of U.S. forces from Gulf bases, and compensation for damages inflicted.
Details remain unverified and fragile, with both sides continuing to offer sharply conflicting public accounts.
BREAKING: Trump gives pathetic excuses after getting called out for lying about negotiations with Iran!
Donald Trump stood at the airport this morning and tried to explain away his earlier claim of “very good and productive conversations” with Iran to end the war. Iran’s foreign ministry said no such talks took place.
Asked about Iran calling him out for lying, Trump attempted to quip: “They’re going to have to get themselves better public relations people,” perhaps not understanding that other governments actually tell the truth;
He name-dropped “Mr. Kushner and “Mr. Witkoff” as the negotiators who supposedly had the “very, very strong” talks, claiming they went “perfectly” and could “end it very, very substantially.”
Trump also said Iran “very much wants to make a deal,” “we’d like to make a deal, too,” and insisted the discussions happened yesterday and went into the evening.
Iran’s foreign ministry has repeatedly denied any direct talks with the U.S., saying only regional countries are trying to reduce tensions. Tehran called Trump’s claims a face-saving retreat after his 48-hour ultimatum to bomb power plants failed to force the Strait of Hormuz open.
This is Trump at his most frantic: inventing “strong talks” and “major points of agreement” and digging into rhetorical tropes to pretend he’s winning, while the illegal war he started continues to spiral into chaos. – Occupy Democrats
